Name: Secret merger of German air forces forms Luftwaffe
Start: 1933-05-15
Location: Berlin, Germany

Other Holidays Today:

National Chocolate Chip Day

National Chocolate Chip Day, 5/15/2026: Indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of chocolate chips and discover the history behind this tasty treat. more >>

International Family Day

International Family Day, 5/15/2026: Strengthen family bonds, foster love and respect, and create lasting memories on this heartwarming day honoring family relationships. more >>

Peace Officers Memorial Day

Peace Officers Memorial Day, 5/15/2026, honors law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty, paying tribute to their selfless service and bravery. more >>

National Bike to Work Day

National Bike to Work Day, 5/15/2026: Ditch your car and hop on your bike for a fun, eco-friendly commute, promoting sustainable transportation and physical activity. more >>

International Day of Families

International Day of Families, May 15, 2026: Recognize the importance of family bonds and relationships, and learn how to strengthen family ties and support families in need. more >>

Endangered Species Day, May 15, 2026: Learn about endangered species, their habitats, and conservation efforts to make a positive impact and ensure a safer future for our planet's incredible diversity. more >>

Jerusalem Day

Jerusalem Day, 5/15/2026: Unite with Israelis in commemorating the city's reunification, rich history, and cultural heritage through parades, processions, and sacred pilgrimages. more >>

NASCAR Day

NASCAR Day, 5/15/2026: Join the racing community for a fun-filled day of events, discounts, and fundraising for the NASCAR Foundation. more >>

National Senior Fraud Awareness Day

National Senior Fraud Awareness Day, 5/15/2026: Learn how to identify and prevent scams, identity theft, and financial exploitation to protect seniors from financial loss and emotional distress. more >>

Today's Birthdays:

Ray Lewis

Died in 2003, aged 28

Legendary linebacker and charismatic TV personality, known for dominating the NFL with 17 seasons of intense play and now entertaining fans with his colorful commentary.

Emmitt Smith

57 Years Old

A legendary running back who holds the NFL record for most career rushing yards, and is a charismatic TV personality.

Andy Murray

39 Years Old

A former world No. 1 tennis player, known for his exceptional athleticism and winning numerous titles, including two Olympic gold medals and three Grand Slam titles.

Richard Avedon

Died in 2004, aged 81

A visionary photographer who captured iconic portraits of celebrities, politicians, and everyday people, revealing the human spirit through his lens.

George Brett

73 Years Old

A legendary baseball player and coach, known for his impressive career with the Kansas City Royals, earning him a spot in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

John Smoltz

59 Years Old

Legendary pitcher and broadcaster, known for his dominant fastball and 20-year career with the Atlanta Braves, including a Cy Young Award and eight All-Star appearances.

Brian Eno

78 Years Old

A pioneer of electronic music, he's a renowned producer and musician who has collaborated with iconic artists like David Bowie and U2, and is credited with shaping the sound of amb...

L. Frank Baum

Died in 1919, aged 62

Creator of the beloved Oz series, penning 14 novels that transported readers to a magical land, and inspiring numerous adaptations and spin-offs.

Jasper Johns

96 Years Old

A pioneer of pop art, creating enigmatic works that explore the relationship between perception, reality, and meaning, often using common images like flags and targets.

Madeleine Albright

Died in 2022, aged 84

The first female US Secretary of State, serving from 1997 to 2001, who played a key role in shaping American foreign policy during the Clinton administration. She's known for her s...

Mikhail Bulgakov

Died in 1940, aged 48

A Russian literary mastermind, famous for blending fantasy and realism in works like "The Master and Margarita", which explores the intersection of politics, philosophy, and the hu...

Don Nelson

86 Years Old

Legendary basketball player and coach who won five NBA championships and holds the record for most career wins as a coach. He's known for his unconventional coaching style and abil...

Events from History Today:

135 years ago

Pope Leo XIII defends workers' rights in Rerum novarum (Rome, Italy) 1891

In a groundbreaking move, Pope Leo XIII shook the foundations of social justice by issuing the encyclical Rerum novarum, a powerful declaration that championed the rights of workers and recognized the importance of private property. This seminal document marked the beginning of modern Catholic social teaching, addressing the struggles of the working class and condemning exploitation. By emphasizing the dignity of labor and the need for a living wage, Pope Leo XIII's vision paved the way for a more just and equitable society.

78 years ago

Kingdoms unite against newborn Israel (Israel) 1948

As the British Mandate for Palestine expired, the Middle East erupted into chaos. Egypt, Transjordan, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia - the Arab League's heavy hitters - simultaneously invaded the freshly minted State of Israel. The newborn nation, declared just hours prior, faced extinction from the get-go. David Ben-Gurion, Israel's first prime minister, had proclaimed independence on May 14, but the Arab armies' coordinated assault pushed the fledgling state to the brink. The 1948 Arab-Israeli War had begun, marking the first of many conflicts in the region.

115 years ago

Supreme Court breaks up Standard Oil monopoly (Supreme Court of the United States, Washington, D.C., 20543, USA) 1911

In a landmark decision, the United States Supreme Court ruled against Standard Oil Co. of New Jersey, declaring it an "unreasonable" monopoly under the Sherman Antitrust Act. This verdict marked a significant milestone in the fight against corporate monopolies. Led by John D. Rockefeller, Standard Oil had dominated the US oil industry, controlling nearly 90% of the market. The court's decision forced the company to dissolve into 34 separate entities, including Exxon, Mobil, and Chevron, reshaping the oil industry forever.

38 years ago

Soviet Withdrawal from Afghanistan Begins (Kabul, Afghanistan) 1988

The Soviet Union's nine-year occupation of Afghanistan finally starts to unravel as the Red Army begins to pull out its massive force of 115,000 troops, marking a major milestone in the Soviet-Afghan War. After years of brutal fighting, the Soviets are abandoning their costly and unsuccessful bid to impose communist rule on the war-torn nation, leaving behind a trail of devastation and a resilient people.

490 years ago

Anne Boleyn stands trial for treason and adultery (London, England, UK) 1536

Queen Anne Boleyn, the clever and cunning wife of King Henry VIII, stands accused of treason, adultery, and incest in a trial that would determine her fate and shake the foundations of the English monarchy. With her sharp tongue and fierce determination, Anne had captivated the king and challenged the traditional norms of women in power. But now, her enemies have conspired against her, weaving a web of deceit and accusations that threaten to destroy everything she holds dear. As the specially-selected jury deliberates, Anne's future hangs in the balance, and the course of English history teeters on the brink of a dramatic transformation. Will the jury find her guilty, or will Anne's quick wit and sharp intellect be enough to save her from the executioner's axe?

93 years ago

Secret merger of German air forces forms Luftwaffe (Berlin, Germany) 1933

In the shadows of the Third Reich, a significant transformation took place, forever changing the face of German aviation. The German War Ministry, led by Hermann GÃ¶ring, orchestrated a clandestine merger of all military aviation organizations under its control, effectively birthing the Luftwaffe, the feared aerial arm of the Wehrmacht. This covert union of airborne forces marked the beginning of a new era in German military aviation, as the Luftwaffe prepared to take to the skies and carve out its notorious reputation in the years to come.

Notable deaths on this date:

2009Wayman Tisdale Talented American basketball player and bassist who lived life to the beat

2020Fred Willard Versatile American actor and comedian with a lifetime of TV

2003June Carter Cash Resilient American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and actress with a golden voice

2015Garo Yepremian Multi-talented American footballer and entertainer

2007Jerry Falwell Controversial American pastor and founder of Liberty University

1995Eric Porter Acclaimed English actor celebrated for his versatility and range

1967Edward Hopper Famous American realist painter

1886Emily Dickinson American poet and author known for her reclusive life

1998Earl Manigault Fiercely competitive American basketball player with a winning spirit

1989Johnny Green Masterful composer and conductor who enriched classical music

1978Robert Menzies Dedicated leader and lawyer who served as Australia's 12th Prime Minister

1948Edward J. Flanagan Visionary priest and social innovator

1984Francis Schaeffer Evangelical leader, thinker, and writer who inspired spiritual growth

2022Kay Mellor Iconic English actress who created memorable roles

2008Will Elder Versatile American illustrator who brought characters to life

2008Alexander Courage Acclaimed American composer and conductor who orchestrated magic

1985Jackie Curtis Trailblazing actress and writer who broke ground in Hollywood

1986Theodore H. White Iconic historian, journalist, and author who chronicled the American experience

2012Carlos Fuentes Pioneering novelist who explored Mexico's complexities through fiction

2008Tommy Burns Visionary Scottish footballer and manager who left a lasting legacy

National Pizza Party Day